Steam-engine.



No. 628,09l.

Patented July 4, I899. G. J. L. HENRY.

STEAM ENGINE.

(Application filed June 80, 1898.)

3 Sheets-Sheet I,

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Nu. 628,09l. Patented luly 4, I899.

. -G.J.L.HENRY.

STEAM ENGINE. (Application filed June 30, 1898. 'No Modal.) 3 Sheets-Sheet 2.

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Pmn ted July 4; I899.

(i. J. L" HENRY.

STEAK 'E'NGIZNE.

(Application filedi Jupe- 30, 189B.)

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; PATENT OFFICE.

GABRIEL J. L. HENRY, OF'QUEBEO, CANADA.

STEAMQENGINE-F SPECIFIdATION forming part Of Letters Patent NO. 628,091, dated July 4, 1899.

Application filed \Tune 30, 1898. Serial No. 684,801. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern: I

Be it known that I, GABRIEL J ULES LEON HENRY, a citizen of the French Republic, and a resident of Quebec, in the Province of Quebec and Dominion of Canada, have invented new and useful Improvements in Steam-Engines, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description.

My invention relates to engines of the class in which motion is obtained-by thealternate expansion and contraction of an extensible casing.

The object of my invention is to provide a very etiicient engine of the above-indicated class. This object I attain by means of the construction particularly describedhereinafter and defined, as to, its novelty, in the appended claims. Reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, in which similar characters of reference indicate corresponding parts in all the views.

Figure 1 is a sectional elevationof my improved engine applied in conjunction with a generator'of electricity. Fig. 2 is a sectional plan on line 2 2 of Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a sectional detail, on an enlarged scale, on line 3 3 of Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is an inverted plan, with parts in section, on line 4 4 of Fig. 1. Figs. 5 and 6 are details; and Fig. 7 shows the same parts as Fig. 3, but in a different position.

The engine comprises a stationary frame consisting of an upper section Aand a lower section A, connected in any suitable manner-for instance, by bolts, as shown. This frame carries a support 13, which may be adjusted vertically by means of screws 0. Between the support B and the upper section A of the frameis located a spring D, annular in shape and coiled in the particular way shown in Fig. 1, the upper edge of the spring being capable of adjustment in a vertical direction by means of screws E. The spring about midway between its ends carries a plate or web F, which, by means of bolts G, is secured to a dished spider H, extending downwardly,

an approximately horizontal plate I forming the bottom of the-elastic casing K and the The casing consists of a series of sections J, each of which has a screw connection at its outer portion with the next section above and the next section below. Each section J is annular and approximately U- shaped in cross-section and is made of elastic material, such as spring metal, so that the sections can move in a direction parallel to the axisof the cylinder or casing K. The inner faces of the .sections are cylindrical, so

that when the casing K is fully contracted it will present a completely smooth inner surface. The opposing annular faces of the sec tions, which are adapted to come into contact with each other when the casing is contracted, are slightly convexed, so that the contact will occur gradually from the periphery inward instead of taking place at once on the entire annular surface. This is done for the purpose of avoiding the shock and noise which would result from the adjacent surfaces coming in contact suddenly to utilize a part of the energy of the elastic casing K, which oscillates by the vibrations of the cover, also for the purpose of better expelling the motive agent from between the sections J. The top section J 2 is bolted to a cover L and to a top plate M, which together form a weight to which a certain energy is imparted by the movement of'the cylinder or casing K.

The top plate M is operatively connected with the mechanism driven by the engine. As illustrated, the engine drives an induction-coil N, arranged to reciprocate transversely of the pole of a magnet O; butit will be obvious that the arrangement may be reversed. The alternating current thus induced can be taken from the terminals of the induction-coil in any suitable manner. magnet O is secured to the stationary frame A, which'at the top has a sleeve A in which is located the elliptical spring P, secured, re-

particularly the coil N. By means of the nuts Q'the tension of the spring P may be adjusted to modify the reaction of the spring jsections J J J lowermost section J of the cylinder or elas-' tic casing K.

The following means are employed for adair, (30.) to the casing, cutting off the sup- Theply, timing the action of the cut-off, allowing the motive agent to escape, and regulating the speed of the engine.

The frame A has a partition A perforated for the passage of the motive agent.

R is the inlet-passage, and S the outlet-passage. These passages are continued above the partition A by means of tubes R and S, respectively, each of which has an expansible portion R S These tubes are normally kept stationary in relation to the web F and to the bottom of the elastic casing K by means of nuts U, held rotatablyin the spider H, and the upper ends of the tubes are rigidly secured to chambered heads R S capable of sliding vertically in a hollow of the bottom I of the casing K, and these heads are of such dimensions as to substantially fill the hollow of the bottom I of the casing. To the nuts U are rigidly secured verticallyelastic arms V, having radial slots V, which are engaged by pins WV on bars W, fitted to slide in the frame A in the direction of their length, as indicated in Fig. at. It will be obvious that by moving the bars W the nuts U will be turned, causing the tubes RS and the chambered heads to beraised or lowered, so that these nuts and the parts connected therewith form a device for adjusting the distance from the chambered heads R S to the top of the casing K when said top is in its lowest position. By making the arms V elastic I provide for an adjustment of the tubes R S, even while the machine isin motion, with the nuts U following the vibrating motion of the web F and spider H.

The inlet-head R has a chamber R communicatingwiththe bore of the tube R, (see Fig. 1,) and having in its lower portion two apertures R Fig. 2, leading into a channel R, which is open to the interior of the elastic casing K. The apertures R are adapted to be periodically opened and closed by means of springs X, which therefore form valves. One end of each spring is secured to the head R Then the spring passes along that face of the head in which the aperture R is provided, and the other end of the spring is secured to the cover L. The spring is thickest at its ends and tapers at its middle, so that its bent central portion will be readily flexible. The

cover L has a roove L whose sha e corresponds to that of the adjacent portion of the spring or valve X, and the springs X and Y are so bent that when free from tension they will not fill the groove; but when the cover lowers the springs come by degrees in contact with it in such a way as to avoid shocks.

Theoutlet-head S has a chamber S, communicating with the bore of the tube S and having at its top an aperture S openinginto the casing K. This aperture is adapted to be opened and closed periodically by a spring or valve Y, secured, respectively, to the cover L and to the side of the head S This spring,

which tapers toward its center, is adapted to be received in suitable grooves in the head S and cover L. The spring Y is also provided with a throttling'projection Y, extendinginto the aperture S and operating as will be described presently.

The heads R S have throats or seats R S where they communicate with the interior of the tubes R S, and these throats are arranged in operative relation to heads or pistons Z on the ends of stationary rods Z, which are adjustable vertically-that is, toward and from said throats-by means of nuts Z The operation of my improved engine is as follows: In its lowest position the cover L is in contact with the heads R S or substantially so, and the sections J of the elastic casing K have their adjacent walls in contact with each other, so that there are no dead spaces in the interior of the casing. One purpose of extending the cover L and the bottom I into the casing, as shown, is to avoid the formation of dead spaces. In the initial position the spring-valves X are away from the apertures R so that the motive agent can pass from the inlet R through the tube R, chamber R of the head R aperture R and channel R6 into the interior of the casing K. At the same time the spring-valve Y closes the outlet-aperture S The motive agent will therefore cause the casing K to expand, and as soon as the contacting faces of the sections J come slightly apart, as shown in Fig. 1, the volume of the chamber within the casing is enlarged considerably. The cover L, top plate M, and the parts connected therewith are raised, and at a predetermined moment the apertures R are closed by the spring-valves X, thus cutting off the supply of motive agent. The steam working expansively, the upward movement of the top M is continued and the energy of the weight, represented by the cover L, top plate M, and coil N, carries these parts beyond the point which they would reach by the action of the steam alone. During this upward movement the elastic sections J of the casing K are put under tension, thereby accumulating power to effect the return movement of the casing. Finally, when the easing K has expanded to the proper extent the valve Y uncovers the exhaust-port S so that the steam can pass from the casing K to the chamber S of the head S, the tube S, and outlet S. The return movement of the easing is then performed by the reaction of the spring-sections J J J and by the pressure of air or other gas or vapor contained inside the frame A, which is generally completely closed, especially when a condenser is used. It will be seen that a reciprocating movement of the cover L is thus obtained, and the like movement of the coil N is utilized for the production of an electric current in the wellknown manner. The spring P guides the coil N in an approximately straight path and increases at will the tension of the springsections J J J It will be obvious that the reciprocating movement of the engine may be utilized in various other manners.

The web F is stationary when the engine is at rest, but with the engine in motion said web or support, owing to its connection with the spring D, will reciprocate so as to take up jars, and thus at the same time the extent of the movement of the coil N will be amplified and the frame will not be subject to severe shocks, vibrations being deadened by using the elastic Web F and the springD. The necessity for providing the extensible portions R S on the tubes R S will now be apparent. The screws 0 and E permit of adj usting, first, the normal position of the web F, so as to bring the coil N into the proper position relatively to the poles of the magnet O, and, second, the tension of the spring D may also be adjusted by'said screws 0 and E.

The period during which steam is admitted to the casing K may be varied by simply raising or lowering the head R This may be effected, even when the engine is in motion, by sliding the corresponding bar W in the frame A, thereby turning the nut U, the elasticity of the arm V permitting the nut to vibrate up and down while remaining in operative connection with the shifting bar W. The pitch of the screw-thread on the nut U will be so selected as to secure the full extent of adjustment desired by the partial rotation of the nut, which can be obtained by means of the shifting rod. It will be obvious that by raising the head R the admission of steam will be prolonged, whereas by lowering said head the spring X will be caused to cover the aperture R sooner, so that less steam will be admitted. In a like manner by adjusting the head S the exhaust through the aperture S may be timed relatively to the movement of the casing K and relatively to the closing of the steam-inlet B so as to Vary the length of the period during which the steam works expansively. In this manner the engine can be readily adjusted in, accordance with the work to be performed.

Should the amplitude of the vibrations of the engine for any reason exceed the normal extent, the engine will be checked automatically by the following three devices:

First. The projection Y of the valve Y will throttle the aperture 8, and thus by checking the escape of steam produce a back pressure having a tendency to oppose the contractile movement of the casing K. It will be observed that the throttling projection Y will remain inactive as long as the engine works normally.

Second. The throat S in conjunction with the stationary head or piston Z, (the web F and easing K vibrating while the rod Z and piston Z are stationary,) will reduce the outlet-passage, thus again producing a back pressure opposing the contractile movement of the casing K. As the rod Z and piston Z are adjustable, I may readily vary the extent of movement required to bring said piston into operation.

Third. The throat R in conjunction with the other stationary head or piston Z,will out ofi the admission of steam.

The drawings show the three devices applied simultaneously; but I desire it to be understood that one or two of them will in manycases be sufficient to secure the desired effect.

The operation of the electrical part of the machine requires no further explanation.

It will be seen that the engine is comparatively simple, has no parts exposed to friction, requires no lubrication, no connectingrods or the like to operate the valves for-distributiug the motive agent, that the frame is not subjected to severe shocks, that the admission of steam, the cut-ofi, and the exhaust, as Well as the normal extent of the movement, can be readily adjusted even while the engine is in motion, and that all parts are readily accessible for repairs. The eificacy of the engine is high, as by the particular construction described I secure a very thorough ex pansion and utilization of the steam. The engine is practically noiseless in operation.

The sections of the elastic casing K may be sore w-shaped,if desired. Instead of the heads or pistons Z, I may employ spring-valves similar to those lettered X and Y.

I desire it to be understood that the engine will operate in a horizontal or inclined position as well as in a vertical position, and the terms top and bottom and upper and lower used in some of the claims are used for the sake of convenience and not in a restrictive sense.

Having thus described my invention, I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent 1. An engine comprising an expansible casing consisting of a series of elastic annular sections connected with each other at their outer portions, and having their inner surfaces formed cylindrically so that they will form a continuous smooth surface in the contracted position of the casing, the opposing surfaces of adjacent sections being convexed in a continuous smooth surface from the said cylindrical inner surfaces to the outer, meeting portions of such opposing surfaces, so as to insure a gradual contact during the contractile movement, and a complete expulsion of the motive agent from between the sections, the casing having an inlet and anoutlet for the motive agent,and being constructed to contract by the elasticity of its sections, and means for effectingthe admission and exhaust of the motive fluid.

2. An engine,comprisingan expansiblecasing consisting of a series of elastic annular sections connected with each other at their outer portions, a top secured to the uppermost.

section and extending inwardly in the central space between the sections so as to partly fill said space, and devices for controlling the admission and exhaust of the motive agent, said devices being located in the lower part of the casing, and likewise projecting into said central space to substantially fill it in conjunction with said top when the casing is contracted.

3. An engine comprisinga stationary frame, a corrugated annular spring both ends of which are connected with said frame, an expansible casing connected with the spring between its ends, and means for controlling the admission and exhaust of the motive agent.

4. An engine comprising a stationary frame, a corrugated annular spring both ends of which are connected with said frame, means for adjusting one end of the spring toward the other end, an expansible casing connected with the spring between its ends, and means for controlling the admission and exhaust of the motive agent.

5. An engine comprising astationary frame, a corrugated annular spring, both ends of which are connected with said frame, means for adjusting each end of the spring toward the other end, an expansible casing connected with the spring between its ends, and means for controlling the ad mission and exhaust of the motive agent.

6. An engine comprisinga stationary frame, an expansible casing, a spring, both ends of which are secured to the frame, a connection from the casing to the central portion of the spring, and means for controlling the admission and exhaust of the motive agent.

7. An engine comprisingastationary frame, an expansible casing supported thereon by a spring, a distributing device for controlling the admission and exhaust of the motive agent, said device being secured to the casing, stationary tubes for the inlet and outlet of the motive agent, and movable tubes secured to the said device and to said stationary tubes, and provided with extensible portions, said movable tubes aflording a communication from the stationary inlet and outlet tubes to the distributing device on the casing.

8. An engine comprising an expansible casing, chambered heads for the admission and exhaust of the motive agent, located at the bottom of the casing and stationary relatively thereto, each of said heads having an aperture whereby it may communicate with the interior of the casing, and valves adapted to cover and uncover said apertures, each valve consisting of a strip whose ends are secured respectively to the corresponding head and to the movable top of the casing.

9. An engine comprising an expansible casing, chambered heads for the admission and exhaust of the motive agent, located at the bottom of the casing and stationary relatively thereto, means for adjusting the heads toward and from the bottom of the casing, each of said heads having an aperture whereby it may communicate with the interior of the casing, and valves adapted to cover and uncover said apertures, each valve consisting of a strip whose ends are secured respectively to the corresponding head and to the movable to of the casing.

10. An engine comprising an. expansible casing, chambered heads for the admission and exhaust of the motive agent, located at the bottom of the casing and stationary relatively thereto, threaded tubes connected with said heads, nuts screwing on said tubes, means for holding the nuts at an invariable distance from the bottom of the casing, each of said heads having an aperture whereby it may communicate with the interior of the casing, and valves adapted to cover and uncover said apertures, each valve consisting of a strip whose ends are secured respectively to the corresponding head and to the movable top of the casing.

11. An engine comprising a stationary frame, an expansible casing supported thereon by a spring, chambered heads for the admission and exhaust of the motive agent, located at the bottom of the casing and stationary relatively thereto, threaded tubes connected with said heads,nuts screwing on said tubes, means for holding the nuts at an invariable distance from the bottom of the easing, bars movable in the stationary frame, elastic arms connecting the nuts with said bars, the said chambered heads having apertures whereby they may communicate with the interior of the casing, and valves adapted to cover and uncover said apertures and having their ends secured respectively to the head and to the movable top of the casing.

12. An engine comprising an expansible casing, means for admitting the motive agent thereto, an exhaust-head stationary relatively to the bottom of the casing and provided with an aperture by which the interior of the casing may communicate with the interior of the head, and a valve adapted to cover and uncover said aperture, and secured respectively to the head and to the movable top of the casing.

13. An engine comprising an expansible casing, means for admitting the motive agent thereto, an exhaust head stationary relatively to the bottom of the casing and provided with an aperture by which the interior of the casing vmay communicate with the interior of the head, and a valve adapted to cover and uncover said aperture,and secured respectively to the head and to the movable top of the casing, said valve having a throttling projection adapted to extend into the aperture of the head.

14. An engine comprising an expansible casing mounted on a spring and havinginlet and outlet passages, the one of said passages being provided with a throat, a piston or valve adapted to work in conjunction with said throat, and means for controlling the admission and exhaust of the motive agent.

15. An engine comprising an expansible casing mounted on a spring and having inlet ICC and outlet passages, each of said passages being provided with a throat, pistons or alves adapted to work in conjunction with said throats, and means for controlling the admission and exhaust of the motive agent.

16. An engine comprising an expansible casing mounted on a spring and having inlet and outlet passages, one of said passages being provided with a throat, a piston or valve adapted to work in conjunction with said 10 throat, means for adjusting the piston or valve longitudinally, and means for controlling the admission and exhaust of the motive agent.

GABRIEL J. L. HENRY.

WVitnesses:

H. NAGANT, J. B. TAMANDOR. 

